Preferred (or Participating) Provider Organization (PPO) plans
PPOs, DHMOs, and discount plans — oh my!
When you’re shopping for dental and vision insurance, the jargon can be a little confusing. If you don’t know the difference between PPO, DHMO, and other plan types, you’re in the right place! Let’s break down what the different plan types mean, so you can choose the right dental (or vision) plan for you.
3 out of 4 U.S. dentists participate in Delta Dental’s network. Learn more about our dental plans, many of which cover 100% of the costs for routine preventive checkups, at deltadental.com. In most states, you can also find vision plans from Delta Dental through DeltaVision.
Under this type of plan, members have access to a network of care providers. The care providers in this network accept reduced fees for covered services. This means members pay lower out-of-pocket costs by visiting an in-network dentist or optometrist.
Dental Health Maintenance Organization (DHMO) plans
With DHMO plans, the focus is on preventive care and establishing a “dental home,” where patients must select a primary care dentist and receive care exclusively from within a particular network for procedures and treatments to be covered. The network of providers is smaller than the network in a PPO plan, but there is no deductible or annual maximum, and the overall plan cost is usually lower.
Discount plans
Under this type of plan, you pay an annual fee to receive access to a network of dentists who have agreed to receive lower fees. Under this plan, payment is due to your provider at the time of service, but there are no additional deductibles, payments, or paperwork.
Weigh your benefit options
It’s important to have dental and vision coverage, both for preventive care and for emergency situations. Consider your current needs and budget and compare your plan options so you can choose the right one for you.
